Signal Digital divide: 9% of families without tools, 46% of over-75s offline

Summary

The report observes that even as the digital shift moves quickly, a digital divide remains. Nine per cent of UK families lack essential digital tools, and 46% of people over 75 do not use the internet. People who find it harder to use digital platforms, such as older citizens, rural communities and lower-income groups, may lose access to important services. Linking this to demographic change, the report argues that older adults who are not online will be increasingly excluded as society digitises. In response, the Digital Skills Partnership works to raise digital literacy, and the Digital Inclusion Action Plan sets out first steps towards ensuring everyone is digitally included.